Phadnis et al. (2025) Innovating Groundwater Recharge using a BoreCharger Technology in Khalad Area, Pune District, India

Identification

• Journal: Journal of Geosciences Research
• Year: 2025
• Date: 2025-12-19
• Authors: Vinit Phadnis, Rahul Bakare, Ashwini Supekar
• DOI: 10.56153/g19088-025-0246-89

Research Groups

• Department of Geology, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India.
• Department of Environmental Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, India.
• URDHVAM (Collaborating organization for fieldwork and data generation).

Short Summary

This study evaluates the "BoreCharger" technology, an innovative in-situ casing perforation method designed to recharge deep basaltic aquifers using filtered water from shallow unconfined layers. The findings demonstrate that the technology sustains groundwater levels through the peak dry season and improves water quality without negatively impacting neighboring wells or surface water bodies.

Objective

• To evaluate the effectiveness of BoreCharger technology in enhancing groundwater quantity and quality in the hard-rock Deccan basalt terrain.
• To assess the potential adverse impacts of induced deep-aquifer recharge on adjacent shallow dug wells and surface reservoirs.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Local watershed scale in Khalad Village, Pune District, India (Latitudes 18.316693°N to 18.328470°N; elevation 730–835 m).
• Temporal Scale: Seasonal monitoring from October 2023 to March 2024, covering the post-monsoon to peak agricultural demand period.

Methodology and Data

• Models used: 3D conceptual hydrogeological modeling of the Khalad watershed; lithological mapping based on borehole camera scanning.
• Data sources: Primary field measurements (water level sounders, borehole camera systems, pH/EC/TDS meters, and hardness field test kits); Survey of India Toposheet No. E4313 (1:50,000).
• Technology: BoreCharger (Patent No. 397449), which involves hydrogeological investigation followed by the strategic in-situ perforation of borewell casings to facilitate natural filtration and transfer of water from unconfined to confined aquifers.

Main Results

• Water Level Stability: Borewells equipped with BoreCharger (e.g., BW2, BW3) consistently sustained water levels until late March, whereas control wells exhibited significant drawdown during the same period.
• Water Quality Improvement: Induced recharge led to a measurable reduction in Total Hardness and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). For example, BW2 hardness decreased from 405 mg/L to 197 mg/L, and BW5 hardness decreased from 477 mg/L to 312 mg/L.
• Hydraulic Connectivity: Post-implementation monitoring showed that BoreCharger-equipped borewells displayed hydraulic behavior similar to shallow dug wells, indicating successful connectivity with the unconfined aquifer.
• Environmental Impact: No negative impact was observed on the water levels of nearby dug wells (DW1, DW2, DW3) or surface reservoirs, confirming that the technology does not compromise traditional community water sources.

Contributions

• Provides a patented, low-cost, and scalable solution for revitalizing failing or low-yielding borewells in complex "simple" and "compound" basaltic terrains.
• Demonstrates a method for "aquifer flushing" that improves groundwater quality through the dilution of secondary mineral deposits.
• Offers empirical evidence for sustainable groundwater management in hard-rock regions, supporting climate-resilient agriculture and rural water security.

Funding

• Institutional support provided by Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU).
• Technical and fieldwork assistance provided by URDHVAM.
• (No specific project reference codes were listed in the source text).

Citation

@article{Phadnis2025Innovating,
  author = {Phadnis, Vinit and Bakare, Rahul and Supekar, Ashwini},
  title = {Innovating Groundwater Recharge using a BoreCharger Technology in Khalad Area, Pune District, India},
  journal = {Journal of Geosciences Research},
  year = {2025},
  doi = {10.56153/g19088-025-0246-89},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.56153/g19088-025-0246-89}
}

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